Anything after Civil Twilight is considered "Night" by the FAA and the Military.Never mind you still have enough light to read a newspaper...

True; however, for the purposes of carrying passengers during the period 1 hour after sunset (and for what's commonly called "night currency") the pilot must have conducted their 3 landings to a full stop during that period beginning 1 hour after sunset and ending 1 hour before sunrise. (ref Part 61.57) which makes it challenging to stay current during the summer.